SARGODHA: Bhalwal Additional Sessions Judge Sikandar Javed acquitted seven people in a triple murder case, citing the benefit of the doubt.

Said Ahmed, Muhammad Akram, Saqib, Tahir Iqbal, Muhammad Adil and Muhammad Afzal from Sadhowal were charged with killing Muhammad Basheer, Muhammad Mazhar and Arif in a revenge attack due to old enmity.

Phularwan Police had registered a case under sections 302, 109, 148, 149, and 452 of the Pakistan Penal Code on a complaint by Muhammad Ijaz. Suspects were arrested and jailed but claimed the allegations were baseless and they were not present at the crime scene. Instead, they alleged that the real culprits were Muhammad Saqlain and Hasan, nephews of the deceased, who were found guilty in an investigation.

The investigation revealed that fingerprints of the alleged suspects were not found on the weapon used in the incident. Considering these factors, Judge Sikandar Javed acquitted all seven accused. Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar had taken notice of this triple murder incident.

Published in Dawn, November 19th, 2024